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NASHUA -- Rallying outside of a holiday party featuring former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown, Londonderry state Rep. Al Baldasaro said Thursday that he is exploring his own possible run for the U.S. Senate.

The conservative Republican told the New Hampshire Union Leader that he is seriously contemplating whether to move forward with his political career in a different seat.

"I am considering putting my hat in to run for the Senate," Baldasaro said while joining a group of more than 200 peaceful protesters at Liberty Hill in downtown Nashua.

Across the street, the New Hampshire Republican State Committee was hosting its holiday party with Brown as the guest speaker. Demonstrating outside were Nashua Democrats and 2nd Amendment advocates part of the New Hampshire Firearms Coalition.

Speculation is growing as to whether Brown intends to run for the U.S. Senate from New Hampshire in 2014.

"I honestly believe he is not going to run," Baldasaro said of Brown. "I think he is here helping to raise money for the party."

Despite the strong presence of Brown opposition on Thursday, there was a smaller group of supporters holding signs outside of the Hunt Memorial Building where the GOP fundraiser was taking place.

"I think New Hampshire needs to defeat Jeanne Shaheen, and I think Scott Brown would be a strong choice in the Senate, and a good voice for the people of New Hampshire," said Phil Boynton, president of the University of New Hampshire College Republicans.

In response to the protest on Thursday, Boynton described the two consecutive rallies as "a great outpouring of democracy."

Tara Fennick, of the Saint Anselm College Republicans, said she was at the demonstration to support the Republican party.

"We are all Republicans, and should support each other throughout this political process," said Fennick.

Not everyone was welcoming Brown to New Hampshire on Thursday, including Jonathan Evans, president of the New Hampshire Firearms Coalition, who joined dozens of people wearing blazing orange to make their voices heard in the dark.

"We are here to make a stance. Scott Brown does not have the right position on firearms," said Evans, noting Brown's support of banning assault weapons. "We don't believe the Republican party should be endorsing him or his values."